I am really sad for the Meldrum family... I am in shock about all the deaths since I have been out. There have been so many! And so many family and friends.... I am grateful to know that God has a plan for each of His children. I have been feeling that over and over. And I am overwhelmed with the comfort of the Spirit at this time... I don't know why things like this happen. I do know that our loving Heavenly Father has a purpose in all things. I was reading President Monson's general conference address this morning. I loved this poem:
"Good timber does not grow with ease,
The stronger the wind, the stronger the trees.
The further the sky, the greater the length.
The more the storm, the more the strength.
By sun and cold, by rain and snow,
In trees and men good timbers grow."
I know that through Christ's Atonement we can be strengthened in all things. It seems like the trials just keep coming. But as we rely upon Him, He will strengthen us to endure.
Yesterday, it was raining and storming pretty severely. We were driving to church and the GPS was struggling a bit. I was doing my best to follow it without getting us crazy lost. We finally were about 1 block away from the church. We stopped at a stop sign. I thought it was a four way and felt sure that I had looked both ways.... And as I drove into the intersection we T-boned the car passing through.... The lady's car smacked into the truck that was at the stop at the other side. So the three of us had our cars pretty messed up. It happened way fast. I don't even remember seeing anything. It was a giant blur and then it was over. We pulled over. I got out to see if everyone was ok. I got completely drenched in the rain. The lady's car door wouldn't open so I pulled it open and we all waited for the police.
Meanwhile, half the members of the ward drove by and saw us standing out in the pouring rain. No one was injured.. although I am feeling repercussions from it today. My body is pretty sore and I am really tired with a headache.
This is one of those things where I know that we were protected and there must be a reason for this. I don't know what. Like any challenge or trial we are given, we must continue to be grateful for the Lord's hand in it.
We were able to drive the car to the church, dragging the front bumper. The members fixed it up as best they could. We tried driving it home and made it about halfway when the temperature shot straight up so we pulled over and waited for someone to get us. We made it back safely and have had the help of many members. All is well in Zion.
Another interesting series of events for this missionary. Don't really know what to think is next haha. First the ER. Second a companion going home. Third a car wreck. All within a few months. Gosh. I need to be wearing a helmet all the time or something! What's next- a tornado?? Missions really help you endure all types of trials. Emotional, mental, physical, spiritual- you name it, we endure it. But I know that this time is a great gift. I feel blessed and protected regardless of the craziness. There are angels all around and I know that angels will be with the Meldrum family and with all of you at this tough time.
As far as the work goes, it was a pretty great week. The work here is starting to take off. We have great members that want to be involved and we are teaching nearly all the time. There are families that are ready to come back- and it is neat to see the Lord giving us the tools to help them.
My companion and I are starting to get into the swing of things. Interesting about Uncle Orange :) There was another Seely in our ward yesterday! Small world.
Mom, that package hasn't come yet... Maybe they are holding it in the mission office? I don't know. When did you send it? I hope it makes it ok.
I love you all very much. I pray that you will all be safe and happy. I know that the Lord is watching over you.
I love you always!
Sister Alicia Johnson
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